Kofta Kebab

Kofta Kebab is a beloved Mediterranean dish that combines ground beef and lamb with fresh herbs and aromatic spices, grilled to perfection. This savory and flavorful kebab can be served with pita bread, tahini sauce, and your favorite Mediterranean fixings. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or preparing a quick family dinner, these tender and juicy kofta kebabs are sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine, you’ll adore this Kofta Kebab recipe. The combination of beef and lamb creates a deliciously tender kebab, while the blend of spices like allspice, cayenne, and paprika adds layers of flavor. Grilled to perfection, these kofta kebabs are juicy on the inside with a lightly charred exterior. Serve them with pita bread, a drizzle of tahini sauce, and fresh tomato and onion wedges for a complete, satisfying meal. Plus, this recipe is quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for entertaining guests.

Ingredients

• 1 medium yellow onion, quartered

• 2 garlic cloves

• 1 whole bunch parsley, stems removed (about 2 packed cups parsley leaves)

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1/2 lb ground lamb

• 1 slice of bread, toasted until browned and soaked in water until fully tender

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 1/2 tsp ground allspice

• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

• 1/2 tsp ground green cardamom

• 1/2 tsp ground sumac

• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• Pita bread, to serve

For the Fixings:

• Tahini sauce

• Tomato wedges

• Onion wedges

• More parsley

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Soak the Skewers: Soak 10 wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Remove them from the water when you’re ready to begin grilling.

2. Prepare the Grill: Lightly oil the grates of a gas grill and preheat to medium-high heat for about 20 minutes.

3. Prepare the Fixings: If you’re making tahini sauce, do so now. Also, prepare any other sides or salads you’d like to serve alongside the kebabs.

4. Prepare the Kofta Mixture: In a food processor, chop the onion, garlic, and parsley. Add the ground beef, ground lamb, soaked and squeezed-out bread, and all the spices. Process until well combined, forming a pasty mixture.

5. Mold the Koftas: Remove the mixture from the food processor and place it in a large bowl. Take fistful portions of the meat mixture and mold them onto the wooden skewers, forming cylindrical shapes. Aim for about 1 inch in thickness for each kebab.

6. Grill the Kofta Kebabs: Place the kebabs on the preheated, lightly oiled grill. Grill for 4 minutes on one side, then flip them over and grill for another 3-4 minutes until they are cooked through and have reached an internal temperature of 160°F.

7. Serve: Serve the kofta kebabs immediately with pita bread, tahini sauce, and the fresh fixings like tomato wedges, onion wedges, and more parsley.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10 skewers (approximately 4-5 servings)

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 8 minutes

• Total Time: 28 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Omit the toasted bread for a gluten-free option, and you’ll still get deliciously tender koftas.

• All-Beef or All-Lamb: If you prefer, you can make the kofta mixture with either all-beef or all-lamb instead of the combination.

• Spicy: Add extra cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a spicier version of the kebabs.

• Vegetarian: For a vegetarian take, try substituting the meat with a combination of finely chopped vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and chickpeas, then form them into patties or skewers.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover cooked kofta kebabs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the kebabs in the microwave or on a grill. If reheating on the grill, do so on low heat to prevent overcooking and drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef and lamb?

Yes, you can use ground turkey as a leaner alternative, but it may lack the rich flavor that lamb adds to the mix.

Can I cook kofta kebabs in the oven?

Yes, you can broil the kebabs in the oven. Place the skewers on a baking sheet and broil them on high for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What can I serve with kofta kebabs?

Kofta kebabs pair beautifully with Mediterranean sides such as hummus, tabbouleh, baba ganoush, or a simple cucumber and tomato salad.

Can I freeze the kofta kebabs?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked kebabs. Lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for storage. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

How can I make the kofta mixture more flavorful?

You can enhance the flavor of the mixture by adding more spices or fresh herbs such as cilantro, dill, or mint, depending on your preference.

How do I know when the kofta is fully cooked?

The kofta is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can cut one open to check for doneness; it should no longer be pink in the center.

Can I make the kofta mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the kofta mixture up to a day in advance. Keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to skewer and cook.

What is sumac, and can I substitute it?

Sumac is a tangy, lemony spice often used in Mediterranean cooking. If you don’t have sumac, you can substitute with a mixture of lemon zest and a bit of salt.

Can I use pre-made pita bread?

Yes, store-bought pita works well for serving with the kebabs. You can warm it up on the grill for added flavor and texture.

How do I prevent the kofta from falling apart on the grill?

Make sure to squeeze out all excess water from the bread before adding it to the meat mixture. Also, ensure the kebabs are molded tightly onto the skewers to help them hold their shape.

Conclusion

Kofta Kebabs are a flavorful and easy-to-make Mediterranean dish that brings together the rich tastes of ground beef, lamb, and aromatic spices. Whether you’re grilling for a casual family dinner or preparing a spread for guests, these kebabs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve them with pita bread, tahini, and fresh vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. With just a few simple ingredients and 28 minutes of your time, you can enjoy a delicious, authentic Mediterranean feast!